Barry's four goals leads Women's Lacrosse to important road victory

CINCINNATI – Stephanie Barry scored a game-high four goals to lead Concordia University Wisconsin to an important 14-11 road victory over the College of Mount St. Joseph during Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference play on Saturday at Schueler Field.

The Falcons increased their lead to as many as six goals midway through the second half and their defense held strong down the stretch. The difference maker in the game between both teams were free-position goals, which CUW converted 4-of-5 opportunities while holding CMSJ to just 1of-7 chances. A reason the Falcons had numerous opportunities to score was their nearly perfect 15-of-16 clear chances.

Barry (junior, Gurnee, Ill.) scored three of her four of her markers in the first half to help the Falcons take a commanding 8-4 lead at halftime. She added her final tally of the game late in the game to cap an impressive outing.

Freshman Veronika Metanova (Palatine, Ill.) again played strong in net for CUW and finished with 14 saves and career-high five ground balls. It was her fourth straight game with double-figure saves.

Junior Hayley Peppers (Franktown, Colo.) had three goals, one assist, three ground balls and three caused turnovers for the Falcons. Senior Aly Pinkos (South Milwaukee, Wis.) ended with two goals and an assist, while junior Sammi Reiter (Stillwater, Minn.) recorded two goals and an assist.

Sophomore Katherine Pauletti (Roseville, Minn.) played strong defensively and tied a career high with three caused turnovers. CUW forced 20 CMSJ turnovers, 10 of which were caused.

The Lions (6-5, 4-3 MWLC) did outscore the Falcons 6-3 over the final 14 minutes and 28 seconds, but its six-goal deficit was too much to overcome.

Nicole Sifri and Samantha Hughes led CMSJ with three goals each, while Chrissy O'Hara and Erica Walsh each had two goals. Hughes led the team with three caused turnovers.

CUW returns to play on Sunday for a non-conference game at Otterbein University starting at 11 a.m. CDT.